Michelle Moore
OXFORD, Miss. – Michelle Moore, a University of Mississippi senior, plans to use her sport and recreation administration degree in diverse career paths after graduation, including her military career.
Moore is a cadet in the university’s Air Force ROTC program and will commission in May.
“My SRA courses have taught me a lot about leadership, which as a military officer, is vital to not only my success, but the success of my unit,” Moore said. “SRA is a well-rounded and diverse program. Every aspect of it can be used in other careers.”
A native of Collinsville, Texas, Moore enrolled at the university in 2018 with hopes of becoming a forensic pathologist. However, she was introduced to the SRA program and realized that she could pursue a degree that could give her the option to work alongside children, work in sports administration or, one day, work at a Disney park.
“I’m a huge Disney fan, and I have dreams of working at one of their amusement parks because I want to make people happy,” Moore said. “I also want to open a recreation center for at-risk children in low-income communities one day.”
Students in the Ole Miss SRA program receive a diverse curriculum, which enables them to pursue various career paths. Students are prepared for careers that are rooted in community and improve the health and quality of life for all people.
“The biggest and the most unique thing that students can expect from an SRA is that as you go on into your respective careers knowing that you directly impact others,” Moore said. “You’re providing people with a space to shake off their worries and enable them to enjoy things that bring them joy.”
Students are also given opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience through the program, including a 400-hour senior internship.
“Each year that I’ve been with the program, I’ve worked the Rebelman Triathlon, and I always had fun doing that,” said Moore. “We also have the senior internship, which is 400 hours.
“It’s a lot of hours, but that’s because the program wants the internship to be as close to an actual job as possible.”
After graduation and her military career, Moore’s long-term career goals include going to graduate school.
“Michelle has deep compassion for people, which will serve her well in the sport and recreation administration career,” said David Waddell, UM lecturer in park and recreation management. “She will be one of the great leaders in this field.”